Global Warming
BDL’s latest blog takes a deeper look into global warming and what we can do the help reduce the impact it has on the world. Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth's surface observed since the pre-industrial period, between 1850 and 1900, due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere.
What causes global warming:
As greenhouse gas emissions cover the earth, they trap the sun’s heat. This leads to global warming and climate change. Currently today, the world is now warming faster than it has at any other point in history, which could be a worry for us all!
Generating electricity and heat by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas causes a large chunk of global emissions. Most electricity is still produced from fossil fuels; only about a quarter comes from wind, solar and other renewable sources.
Manufacturing and industry produce emissions, mostly from burning fossil fuels to produce energy for creating items like cement, iron, steel, electronics, plastics, clothes, and other goods. Mining and other industrial processes also release gases.
Destroying our forests and trees also contribute to the problem. As well as them being beautiful and a calm place to retreat, they are vital for our health. They are the home to so many creatures on earth providing a home and food. More than half the world’s land-based plants and animals live in and around forests. Not only will destroying them disrupt our food chains, causing a problem for everyone! They also have a big influence on rainfall patterns. The quality of soil and water assists with flood prevention, saving many of us from it impacting our homes and lives.
Trees also absorb carbon dioxide. If we remove trees or even disturb them, they will release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse emissions.
What are 5 effects of global warming?
- More frequent and intense drought
- Storms
- Heat waves
- Rising sea levels
- Melting glaciers
- Warming oceans can directly harm animals, destroy the places they live, and wreak havoc on people's livelihoods and communities.
So how can we help prevent global warming?
We can all do a little bit more to help improve the impact that global warming has. From the way we travel, to the electricity we use and the food we eat, we can make a difference. Some suggestions on how you can help are.
- Travel on busses/trains and walk as often as you can for sort journeys.
- Change a light bulb or use smart bulbs – turning them off when not in use!
- Try using less heating – not only will this save you money, but it will also save energy!
- Plant trees – this will help with deforestation.
- Buy local goods and products – as well as helping your local community, the benefits of shopping local spread further than you think.
- Try going paperless – paper comes from trees and excess printing in the office can have a huge impact on the number of trees being cut down in our forests.
